Another memorable year for Cootehill

This is a landmark year for Cootehill Chamber of Commerce as they celebrate 60 years promoting business in the town.

And the busy group look forward to helping to mark an even more momentous anniversary as Cootehill celebrates its tercentenary in 2025.

While they are determined to mark the town's 300 year celebrations in style, when the Celt speaks to Chamber President Lisa Pepper, they are facing a more pressing date. The Christmas lights switch on and market are just days away. Why have it so early?

Shoppers are more organised nowadays and want to shop early to get the best value and bargains and we want to capitalise on that. It ties in with Black Friday offerings from local retailers that build on the momentum of the Christmas Lights switch on and the buzz and atmosphere created at the Christmas Market.

They also run a very successful voucher scheme and Lisa is eager to stress they are universally accepted in Cootehill shops and businesses.

"You can buy the vouchers in MJ's supermarket and you can use them anywhere in the town, all our retailers accept them. It's a good gift to give someone to keep the money local, and it's a great tax free bonus option for businesses to give staff."

Cootehill is looking forward to the festive season off the back of another strong year.

Long anticipated works on Station Road are underway, several housing developments are under construction, Aldi are due to open next year, PQE have moved into new premises, there are further developments at Dartrey Forest and Abbott is celebrating 50 years in Cootehill. The BOI bank is being redeveloped into a community hub. On top of that the major redevelopment of St Michael's Hall with a budget of €6m was the talk of the county.

"Cootehill is thriving and it's good to celebrate all the positives that are happening in our town".